Finding myself on the cross
The philosopher Rene Girard wrote that societies rely on a scapegoat. Girard argued that when social tensions arise, a scapegoat is identified and blamed, and violence is directed at them, which temporarily restores order.
Today is Good Friday. The day Jesus’ was unjustly executed. Jesus was sacrificed by the religious leaders of his day to maintain order and appease empire.
While we live on the other side of the cross and the empty tomb, scapegoating continues.
We scapegoat the immigrant who scripture calls us to welcome, we scapegoat the person in poverty who we are called to provide for, we scapegoat people of Color who reflect God’s image.
I never imagined that I would find myself amongst the scapegoated. I lived the first part of my life as a white, male American—the most privileged position on the planet.
Now, as a transgender woman, I have become the easy target of the day. I am the scapegoat.
This week the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court denied my existence.
The United States Secretary of Health and Human services said, ““I Will Discriminate Against Trans Persons, Because It’s Legal”
Today, faith leaders in Columbus, Ohio, will march around the Ohio State Capital which has blood on its hands for scapegoating transgender people—denying our existence, taking away access to healthcare, and forcing the outing of transgender youth.
If you are in Columbus, meet us at Trinity Episcopal Church at noon. Tomorrow, there will be protests in state capitals around the country.
If you want to know what they have done with Jesus’ body, stand with and for the scapegoated.
